Source: Radio New Zealand
Wellington’s Mayor says suggested terms of reference for an expected Crown review into the failure of the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant are with the government.
It comes as Wellington Water crews enter the plant to begin assessing the damage from its massive meltdown last week.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little said he’d given Local Government Minister Simon Watts his proposal for a terms of reference for any inquiry.
He expected the review would examine the mechanical cause of the breakdown and the environmental impact and the damage to the plant.
A model of Wellington’s south coast after the news of the Moa Point sewage plant failure. Supplied / Calypso Science
“…In terms of any governance issues, the contractual arrangements between the various parties, reporting to the various bodies, including the council, the information that was shared, was that adequate, was that appropriate? Should anybody have seen something that might have led to an earlier and preventative response? All those questions are contained in that,” Little said.
There were concerns at a Cabinet level about a full ministerial inquiry, which could be formalistic and expensive, he said.
“I had a discussion with David Seymour about it. He had expressed some supportive views, but also some concerning views earlier in the week. We had a good discussion about it. I think he understood what I was saying. So, I expect it will be a Crown review.”
Watts and Seymour have been approached for comment.
Little said it was important that any review was independent and had the powers to compel documents if needed.
While court action couldn’t be ruled out, the immediate focus was restoring a safe, functioning treatment plant, he said.
The Moa Point treatment plant. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Little said the Moa Point plant was likely facing a major rebuild, with costs expected to fall at least initially on Wellington City Council.
Early indications suggested a significant reinstallation of equipment would be needed, but there was no price tag, he said.
“We just don’t know what the cost is going to be, but you’d expect, from all of the accounts so far, you’d have to anticipate this is a major rebuild, at least a reinstallation of equipment, and that doesn’t come cheap.”
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little discusses Wellington Water Moa Point issue. RNZ / Mark Papalii
The mayor said the parties involved, including the Wellington City Council and Wellington Water, had insurance.
But he said responsibility hadn’t been determined, and it was too early to say who would foot the bill.
Little said the planned transfer of assets to Metro Water in July may now need renegotiating.
Meanwhile, a week on from the failure, Wellington Water crews have been able to enter the Moa Point plant to begin properly taking stock of the damage.
The company said workers were following strict risk protocols including personal protective equipment and risk analysis for each task.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
